Holiday Storage 101

Staying organized for the holidays is a must; with all the parties to plan, gifts to buy, and decorating to be done, it’s easy to forget what happens at the end of it all. But once the carols have been sung, presents unwrapped, and holiday guests returned home, it’s time to pack away the memories safely for next year. Plan ahead to protect your keepsake holiday collections. Here are some ideas to help you be prepared when it’s time to take everything down.

Disassemble the tree

If you display a fresh-cut tree, you’ll want to remove all ornaments and lights. Clean out the tree stand and test the lights before you wind them up neatly around pieces of cardboard or coffee cans. Dispose of lights that don’t work, toss any broken or perishable ornaments or decorations, and donate those that you don’t plan to use next year. Follow your town’s guidelines for how to dispose of your tree properly—garlands and wreaths are often included in this collection day.

After unplugging the lights, pack away your artificial tree in a tree storage bag or its original box. The bag or box will protect the tree from damage throughout the year; a bag is sometimes easier to transport up or down stairs. Depending on the type of tree you display, it can be stored fully assembled, flipped, or disassembled in pieces. Some trees come equipped with a storage bag that can be gathered at the base of the tree when you first assemble it. When you take it down, all you have to do is take the tree skirt off and pull the bag up and around the tree.

After unplugging the lights, pack away your artificial tree in a tree storage bag or its original box. The bag or box will protect the tree from damage throughout the year; a bag is sometimes easier to transport. ge bag that can be gathered at the base of the tree when you first assemble it. When you take it down, all you have to do is take the tree skirt off and pull the bag up and around the tree.

Trim the ornaments and the trimmings

Since they are often made of glass, ceramic, and even lacquered dough, ornaments can be the most difficult items to store. Make sure you’re prepared with a great storage container that cushions and protects them well. It’s great if you kept the original packaging for your ornaments, but if you didn’t, try a large tote or other container with designated compartments for each piece. You can also wrap each one in tissue paper, bubble wrap, or re-sealable bags, and arrange them carefully in an open tote or box. Keep your most fragile items at the top of the box; egg cartons work well for tiny ornaments. Store ornament wires in re-sealable bags.

Remove ribbon carefully; roll it up to safeguard against crushing and wrinkles. Use original spools if you have them, or wrap ribbons around pieces of cardboard, clothespins, or drape them over hangers. After removing them from trees, garlands, or vases, flatten all picks, branches, and blooms and stack them in boxes. Dispose of any perishable cranberry or popcorn garlands or broken pieces.

Pack up your wreaths

The best way to store a wreath is in a bag designed for wreath storage. Oftentimes these containers come equipped with a hanger that properly supports the body of the wreath and can be hung in a closet or storage area, so it takes up less valuable space. In some cases, wreath bags are sturdy and large enough that you can keep all of your decorations attached; just make sure your ornaments and decorations are firmly attached. Also, you can hang up your wreath uncovered (beware of dust) or covered in a plastic bag, with a homemade hook.

Gather the garlands

Before you take them down, tie a ribbon or attach a tag to the spots where it hangs from railings, balustrades, or mantels—this will save you time next season. If you have enough storage space, it’s best to hang garlands vertically to maintain the shape of each. Also consider laying them carefully in a bag, a tote, or a box. Remember to leave some space at the top to prevent crushing.

Overall, remember to label all of your containers—this is a huge time saver. For the items that are most important for early decorating, mark them with “Open First”. And of course, make sure these containers are on top.

Pack your holiday décor and Christmas trees in sturdy bags and keepers for years of use. Shop Christmas Storage at Grandin Road.